Istanbul 2014 - Glance through visited places

In September 2013, I have recorded my first trip to Istanbul in November 2004. I have hinted that I would returned 1 day, check the post "Turkey Istanbul 2004" to get some of the clues. At the time of writing, i.e. on 17th September 2013, we have booked and confirmed the flight and brief itinerary as part of my ambitions taking "Train Rides by the Globes". 10 years later, on 4th April 2014, I have landed in Istanbul Ataturk airport for the second time. 10 years ago was with the travel group following travel agent and their fixed itinerary but 2014 was more meaningful as Anne and I has prepared our own itinerary following our convenience. My sister Rosnani has gone through a lot in her life after the passing of her late husband and new life with a new husband. She was the reason that we invited another sister to come along. We travelled in 2 pairs.

Back to the tour, in brief, we have covered the following attractions in Istanbul during 4 days 3 nights in Istanbul:-

Day 2 - New Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque and Fatih Mosque.

New Mosque which is so nearby to our hotel, seated next to Spice Bazaar

Spice Bazaar, you must not miss coming to this place as the experience trying the above tea was priceless

Suleymaniye Mosque, the courtyard - in here, you may feel the great influence of Emperor Suleyman, the story that in my opinion similar to the story of Prophet Sulaiman, great man indeed

Fatih Mosque, I came all the way to recite Yaasin for him, especially for myself for Allah to ease the loads of my sin. Maybe when its time for me to see the Creator, I would not be so embarrassed with too much sins that I committed during 47 years of my life in this world

Day 3 - Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Yerebetan Cistern of Medusa, Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park and watching beautiful Sufi Whirling dance at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre.

My lovely sister Rosnani, passing the sad chapter of her life given a sweet smile next to the Egyptian Obelisk @ Hippodrome

Blue Mosque snapped using Tiger Eyes lens 

Hagia Sofia seated across Blue Mosque, we tasted Turkish coffee and tea (chai) once we gets in - it was a heavenly experienced (wait for full story later)

Short queue to see Medusa head beneath the road. Yerebatan Sarnici was actually hidden from naked eyes but it's location is actually across Blue Mosque/Hagia Sophia @ within walking distance

Long queue in Topkapi Palace but the lunch inside was tastier and worth for money

Tulips festival in the whole Istanbul City but to smell the sweet Lavenders from distance while entering this heaven on earth Gulhane Park was God sent gifts

Day 4 @ the last day - Grand Bazaar, Cruise on Bosphorus sea, Galata Tower and a must visit place when in Istanbul, Istiklal Caddesi famously known as Taksim Square.

The famous Grand Bazaar, was wishing that Hubby could be with me to choose and buy lamps for our new house, Sigh!

It was damn cold with strong cold breeze to appreciate a lovely cities on both sides of Turkey, Europe and Asia. It was my second experience taking the cruise along Bosphorus/Marmara. I am so blessed with what Allah has given me, Alhamdulillah

We wisely spent our time in Galata Tower, worth every money that we paid to go up the tower as we have gone up to the top using lift, having coffee and Pudding Rice, ended with prayer and freshened up up there on the oldest tower of the world

Beautiful afternoon weather at Taksim Square 

I will write in details each of these places for my personal reference and because I cant resist but sharing those lovely photos snapped by me and my best friend, Anne who travelled with her new Digital DSLR camera, Nikon D3200.